Think You’d Never Fall for a Scam? These 7 Prove Otherwise
Do you know how to protect yourself from common scams? Do you know how to recognize a scam when it's happening? These attacks are becoming more common than ever. With tools from services like Lumen, you can detect threats and report them in real time, protecting yourself and your personal information. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Fake Verizon Phone Calls
One of the fastest-growing scams in the U.S. involves phone calls from criminals pretending to be representatives from major telecom providers like Verizon. These callers claim there is a problem with your account, suspicious activity on your line or a billing error that must be fixed immediately. They often use spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate on caller ID, making the call seem authentic.
Once they have your attention, they may ask for your account credentials, a one-time verification code or even direct payment to “secure” your service. In reality, Verizon and other legitimate companies will never pressure customers for sensitive information over unsolicited calls. These scams are especially dangerous because many victims don’t realize the fraud until their accounts are compromised or money is already gone.
2. Phishing Emails That Look Official
Phishing emails remain one of the most successful scam tactics. These messages impersonate trusted companies such as banks, online retailers, streaming services or even government agencies. They typically warn of suspicious activity, a locked account or a missed delivery and urge the recipient to click a link immediately.
The links lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card numbers and personal details. With branding that closely copies real companies, these emails can easily trick even experienced internet users.
3. Package Delivery and USPS Scams
With online shopping now a fact of daily life, scammers have learned to exploit Americans’ dependence on home delivery. Text messages or emails claim to be from USPS, FedEx or UPS and say there is a delivery issue that requires immediate action.
Victims are directed to fake tracking pages where they are asked to enter personal and financial information to “release” their package. Often, no package ever existed in the first place.
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4. IRS and Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers frequently pose as the IRS, Social Security Administration or local law enforcement. These scams usually involve threats of arrest, legal action, frozen bank accounts or deportation if immediate payment is not made.
Victims are often instructed to pay using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Real government agencies in the United States do not demand payment in these forms, and they do not threaten arrest over the phone.
5. Online Romance and Social Media Scams
Romance scams continue to cause devastating emotional and financial losses. Scammers create fake dating profiles or social media accounts and build emotional connections with victims over weeks or months. Eventually, an emergency arises that requires money for medical bills, travel or business problems.
Once money is sent, the scammer either disappears or invents new crises. These scams are particularly painful because they exploit trust, loneliness and emotional vulnerability.
6. Fake Investment and Cryptocurrency Opportunities
Many Americans have been drawn into scams promising guaranteed profits through cryptocurrency, stock tips or private “investment groups.” These schemes often use social media ads, private messaging apps and even fake celebrity endorsements.
Victims may see early “returns” to build confidence, only to lose everything when they attempt to withdraw their money. By the time they realize what’s happened, the scammers have vanished.
7. Tech Support Scams That “Fix” Nonexistent Problems
Tech support scams usually begin with a pop-up message, phone call or email claiming your computer has been infected with a virus or serious security threat. The scammer offers immediate help, often pretending to represent well-known tech companies.
Once contact is made, they persuade victims to install remote-access software that gives full control of the device. From there, they steal personal files, passwords and financial data—or demand payment for fake “repairs.”
How Lumen Helps Protect You From Scammers
Lumen plays a critical role in helping protect your online life from digital threats and fraud. Through advanced network security, threat detection and encrypted connections, Lumen works behind the scenes to help stop malicious traffic before it ever reaches your home or business.
By monitoring for suspicious activity, blocking harmful domains and helping secure data in transit, Lumen provides a strong digital shield against phishing schemes, fraudulent websites and malicious software often used in scams. This added layer of protection is especially important in a world where scams no longer arrive only through obvious emails, but through phone calls, text messages and social media platforms.
Lumen’s security-driven infrastructure helps reduce the risk of compromised accounts, stolen personal information and unauthorized access—giving users greater peace of mind as they work, shop, bank and communicate online.
Staying Alert in a World Full of Digital Threats
Scams are no longer rare or easy to spot. From fake Verizon calls to government impostors and online romance traps, fraud has become deeply woven into modern digital life. Awareness, caution and strong cybersecurity defenses are the most powerful tools Americans have to fight back.
By staying informed about common scams and relying on trusted protection from providers like Lumen, individuals can take meaningful steps to safeguard their personal information, finance, and digital identities.
Keep reading about cybersecurity software that can help protect your personal information.